Investigation launched into police treatment of Down's Syndrome teen

An investigation has been launched into the police treatment of Down's Syndrome teenager Abdulkarriem Al-Faisal.

Al-Faisal, 19, was given a caution for burglary after being found inside Haringey Sixth Form Centre in White Hart Lane on the May bank holiday Monday.

Roshina Al-Faisal described the treatment of her son by the police as “outrageous”, alleging that he had been kicked and forced to the floor by police officers, despite having a heart condition and learning difficulties.

She has called for Haringey police to withdraw his caution.

The Directorate of Professional Standards are now investigating Mrs Al-Faisal's claims following an official complaint.

The DPS is responsible for investigating incidents where police conduct has been called into question.

A Haringey police spokesperson said: "We are aware that a complaint has been made to the Department Directorate of Professional Standards.

"Whilst this is being investigated, it would be inappropriate to comment."

In a written statement on the petition-starting website Change.org, Mrs Al-Faisal said: “I went to the police station and found my son confused and in tears in a cell without his shoes or coat. His fingerprints had been taken, he had been swabbed for DNA and his details had been put on record.

“Abdulkarriem was only released nine hours later, after the intervention of a lawyer and his school’s head of disability and learning support. The police had made him sign a caution for burglary. This will mean he has a criminal record.

“Abdulkarriem told me he had been kicked by the police officers and forced to the floor, and an officer had put his knee in his back. My son has a heart condition."

Haringey police have previously said that proper safeguards for vulnerable detainees were followed.